Itching to Pitch?

I was asked to say something of interest for the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) conference blog tour. I said sure and this is my attempt at fulfilling that promise. Let me inform you that I am by no means an expert. I’ve never sold a book. I may never sell a book. That disclosure out of the way, I can say I’ve had a bit of experience in the area of pitching my work and am glad to share what I’ve learned, for all it’s worth.

Here goes.

You’ve signed up for an editor appointment most likely. Just the one. Does that mean you have one shot at pitching an editor during the conference? Heck no. I pitched an editor in the hallway, one in the elevator, one over lunch, etc. You get the picture. I had two scheduled editor appointments last year but ended up getting six or seven requests for manuscripts because I pitched everyone who might publish in my genre.

TIP: be courteous and ask if you can pitch before you accost the poor
unsuspecting publishing folks. Otherwise you’re just being rude.

The first key to successful and confident pitching is to know your story. You will be asked who your protagonist is. Know the answer. What genre is it? Is it finished? If not, when do you expect it to be? Do you have writing credits? Who do you see your story appealing to? Anticipate the questions and be prepared to look like you know what you’re talking about. Fake it till you make it and any other cliché that applies.

The next key is to have a one minute back of the book type blurb memorized to pitch to an editor. We call this an elevator pitch. Because, like me, you may literally be pitching it in an elevator. Though it could be anywhere, more than likely, over a meal. I practiced mine last year for weeks before the conference. My friends and I would cold-call each other and say, “Tell me about your book.” This practice was nerve wracking but paid off big time at the conference.

You also want to have a longer synopsis type pitch memorized for when the editor says, "Tell me more."

The next tip I have for you is to RELAX. These editors and agents are just regular folks who love words just like you. Meet them. Make eye contact. Tell them calmly about your story. Answer their questions. Make small talk. Smile and wish them well.

I kind of treat my appointments like a job interview. That’s how I dress and how I present myself. I think I get a good response from this. I try to be courteous of the editors needs as well. If they are dying to go to the bathroom, for heaven’s sakes, be kind and let them, even if it takes up your full appointment time. They’ll let you pitch them later and will be a whole lot more receptive to hearing what you have to say because they’ll know you’re a decent person who takes pity on others. It’s doubtful that one editor appointment is going to make or break you.

Don’t suck up. People see through it and no one respects that. Again, be kind, be courteous. That’s enough.

Another good idea is to find out what editors are going to be at the conference. Google them. Find out all you can about them, especially what they look like so when you see them alone, you can introduce yourself and ask if you can tell them about your book.

Chances are they’ll say yes. Find out what their house publishes and don’t bother the editors who don’t do your type of story. I wouldn’t pitch a Steeple Hill editor,
The Demon Chaser for instance. Don’t waste their time.

Take a deep breath before pitching, smile, slow down your talking, sit on your hands if you need to keep them from shaking and don’t tell them your nervous. Drawing attention to your jitters only makes it more pronounced.

Most editors will probably listen to your spiel, ask you a few questions and then tell you to send them a proposal. Thank them and say farewell. That’s the best response you’re going to get and doesn’t mean anything other than you get another chance to prove yourself.

Oh yeah, if an editor is reading your manuscript, do yourself a favor and zip your mouth. They’re reading your stuff. That’s what you want.

I’m looking forward to seeing you all there! (Just look for the happy red-head (Ane) and the boisterously laughing brunette she tows around.)